Kentucky Chamber salutes U.S. Sen. Mitch McConnell in Washington, D.C.

After a successful re-election to the U.S. Senate and achieving his goal of becoming Majority Leader, the Kentucky Chamber honored Kentucky U.S. Sen. Mitch McConnell with a dinner saluting his accomplishments.

Business leaders from across the commonwealth gathered in Washington, D.C. Tuesday evening to help the Kentucky Chamber congratulate Senator McConnell on his election to the top leadership post in his chamber.

“Senator McConnell’s election as Senate Majority Leader is very significant for Kentucky,” said Chamber President and CEO Dave Adkisson. “We were pleased to have the opportunity to pay tribute to him and celebrate the fact that he is only the second Kentuckian to lead the Senate since Alben Barkley held the post in the 1930s and 40s.”

Speakers at the event included Kentucky’s other U.S. Sen. Rand Paul, U.S. Rep. Hal Rogers, Kentucky Senate President Robert Stivers and surprise guest Henry Clay.

The event, held at the Willard Intercontinental Hotel, on Pennsylvania Avenue, has long been connected to Kentucky history. In the early 1800s Kentucky Senator Henry Clay introduced the Bourbon Mint Julep at the Willard’s Round Robin Bar. Clay famously used to ship bourbon barrels to the Willard on each journey to Washington for use in his diplomatic efforts.

Senator Clay himself – as portrayed by Georgetown College Director of Theater George McGee in a presentation from the Kentucky Humanities Council – was on hand to offer a mint julep toast to Sen. McConnell.

“To Majority Senate Leader, Mr. Mitch McConnell…Sir, we thank you for your service… and we wish you success, for the good of Kentucky, the United States of America and a world desperately seeking compromise.”

In his remarks, Senator Paul expressed his appreciation for the hard work done by McConnell on behalf of the people of Kentucky and said he believes McConnell will begin to bring order to the U.S. Senate.

Rogers and Stivers each shared personal stories about getting to know McConnell through the years and watching what he has been able to accomplish.

Kentucky Chamber Board Chairman Wil James, president of Toyota Motor Manufacturing of Kentucky (TMMK), expressed his congratulations to Kentucky’s senator on behalf of TMMK and the Chamber.

McConnell also delivered remarks at the event where he thanked all the speakers and organizers of the event. Sen. McConnell noted that many in Washington these days seem content to make a point, while his primary focus as Majority Leader will be to make a difference.

The Kentucky Chamber again salutes Kentucky U.S. Senator Mitch McConnell. To see photos from the event, click here.

View video of the event below: